Ruto’s directive on Mombasa port operations takes effect
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has directed Shipping Lines to facilitate importers in the nomination of the place of clearance of cargo.
In a notice on Monday, September 26, KPA acting Managing Director John Mwangemi revoked the 2018 order that restricted importers from choosing where they would like to clear their goods.
“This is, therefore, to notify all Shipping Lines that importers' documentation of place of clearance and mode of transport for their goods shall be at their choice.
“Shipping Lines are hereby, advised to facilitate importers' nomination of place of clearance including Port clearance, Kenya Revenue Authority's Licensed Container Freight Stations (CFSS) and Kenya Ports Authority's Inland Container depots,” Mwangemi said in the notice.
In the 2018 order, importers were compelled to use the Standard Guage Railway as a mode of transport to ferry their containers to clearing destinations in Nairobi and Naivasha inland terminals.
Ruto's directive
During his inauguration on September 13, President William Ruto promised to revert port operations back to Mombasa in line with his campaign promise.
“This (Tuesday, September 13) afternoon I will be issuing instructions for clearing of goods and other attendant operation issues to revert to the port of Mombasa as I made a commitment to Kenyans,” he said in his inauguration speech.
